Unveiling Automated Maintenance in Aviation

Robert DeGrie has a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Administration and a Master’s in Aviation Science. Over a 33+ year career, he has performed every function to support the frontline. His experience ranges from tenures with 14 CFR Part 121, 139 and 145 operations, gaining a unique understanding of the big picture about maintenance operations from air carrier, airport and repair station standpoints.   

In aviation, seamless flying entails regular maintenance. This is one of the few industries where compromising costs can be blundersome. Facilitating standardized repairs, businesses have started leveraging the quick accuracy of technology-driven processes. In this interview, Robert DeGrie emphasizes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-based software revamping time and labor-intensive procedures with automated data collection, analysis and application.   

Data analysis simplifying aircraft maintenance and repair

The mystery of the unknown continues to plague aircraft maintenance and repair. Aircraft age, operating environment and historical maintenance practices affect these unknowns and could result in a huge impact on aircraft downtime. Data and planning are key to minimizing the effects of unknown discrepancies. However, one must have historical data to have such an impact. Without it, you fly blind into the unknown. Thorough analysis allows for proper planning, the reduction of aircraft downtime and the improvement of Technical Dispatch Reliability (TDR). Acquiring this historical data is imperative and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are attempting to gather this data from aircraft operators in standard formats to create useful fault isolation repositories to assist in preparation and troubleshooting.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in preemptive maintenance

More industry professionals are grasping the concept of preventative maintenance and are attempting to incorporate it into their programs. Advances in technology continue to have a pivotal role in this industry. We continue to operate in dynamicity where change is the only constant. One of the biggest movements surrounding us all is Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

“AI has the propensity to review vast amounts of data to provide more insight into the unknown based on historical findings and corrective actions”  

This one will probably be the most difficult to incorporate. There are a lot of fears surrounding AI and we have science fiction movies to thank for that (Skynet?). AI has the propensity to review vast amounts of data to provide more insight into the unknown based on historical findings and corrective actions. It will be interesting to see how far AI can break down the veil of the unknown in the future.

Tracking technological advancements in aircraft engineering

I try to read as much as possible from industry publications like yours and participate in many conferences. Most times I must rely on written briefs or articles from such conferences as budgets do not allow for such expenditures during the post-9/11 era. Industry contacts are also an invaluable source of technological advancements. Understanding these advancements and analyzing which pain points they can address economically is the key to incorporating them into your company or processes.

The value of in-depth knowledge

Knowing how each step in the full spectrum of maintenance processes allows for a big-picture understanding of how each step affects all other steps. Taking an additional five minutes in one step of the process could save 30 minutes or more in further ones down the process. When authoring these procedures, knowing the big picture assists in building something that works for the long term and reduces pain points along the way. This increases efficiencies and reduces wastefulness. It also increases employee knowledge as they learn these processes and procedures. However, one must keep them on a basic level to increase the absorption and retention of this knowledge; the more you can keep it in the “keep it simple” philosophy, the better.  

Evaluating the best software

One-stop-shopping and the ability to reduce data entry are essentials when selecting software solutions for maintenance management. True relational databases duplicate key fields for the data relationships without the need to enter the same data more than once. Additionally, data relationships, cohesiveness, and functionality are key factors in linking tasks to all labor, skill, materials and tooling requirements. The software solution must also be user-friendly and cost-effective.

Advancements in material science and aircraft design and maintenance

Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) has proven invaluable to the impact of aircraft design and maintenance practices. BITE allows for more data gathering and analysis to reduce the unknown. The more data we can gather, the more we can remove the veil of the unknown and control maintenance costs and downtime. Data also allows for design improvements for component reliability and maintenance accessibility. Material science must utilize data to address weight, durability, reliability, cost-effectiveness, availability and maintainability. The designers must also take more than fit, form and function into consideration. They must also include reliability, cost, availability and maintainability.

Establishing a long-term impact on organizations

Always learn something new every day. Everyone is replaceable. Grasp that and never forget it. Learn from those around you. Lead by example. Do not be afraid to roll up your sleeves and dive into the process. Understand to be a better contributor and hopefully a better leader. Always go down the path of improvement in both processes and self. If you do not know the answer, do not guess. Ask someone who knows the answer and learn to experience lasting success.